Government is hoping its plans to reject mega-ships will persuade cruise companies to build smaller vessels which will visit Bermuda.

Tourism Minister David Allen told The Royal Gazette that Government has contacted two cruise companies considering building new ships to try to "tip the balance'' towards them opting for smaller liners.

Mr. Allen said he was confident the cruise sector in Bermuda could flourish even if the Island turns its back on the new generation of mega-ships.

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown revealed earlier this month that Government does not want mega-ships because of environmental concerns and fears the Island does not have the infrastructure to handle more visitors.

The decision flies in the face of a draft consultant's report which recommends the Island should plan for receiving ships up to 950 long with 2,500 passengers and 800 crew.

The Royal Gazette revealed the report stated one option for dealing with these huge ships would be to build a 600-foot pier into Hamilton Harbour.

Mr. Allen would not disclose the contents of the final report, but hinted such massive building would not be required because Government has opted for smaller ships.

He said: "Clearly the Government has said it wants smaller ships which has implications for port development. We clearly need some updating, to what extent that happens has to be seen in the context of Government favouring smaller ships.'' Mr. Allen revealed that the Ministries of Tourism and Transport are currently wooing cruise companies in the hope of persuading them to build smaller ships.

He said: "We've had initial probes into the industry and Government has been in contact with at least two cruise lines last week, and both indicated they are considering building smaller ships and they will be taking into account Bermuda's requirements.

"They are reviewing the situation and we are trying to tip the balance by letting them know we have an interest in them building smaller ships.

"It's on their radar screens and we hope this opportunity will persuade them to build smaller ships.

"If we get smaller ships, we won't need to spend the tens of millions accommodating larger ships, which will save the tax-payer.

"Two or three years down the line, they know what we're looking for and we've communicated that to them so that when they are planning ships, they are aware this has implications.'' Mr. Allen said cruise ship policy was as a "crossroads'' and Government's blueprint will be revealed in the spring after it has been approved by Cabinet.

He said it was important to get the balance right between the cruise visitors and heavier spending air arrivals who stay in hotels and guest houses.

Although he is confident the Island will attract new cruise business in the future, he does not anticipate any more than the six weekly ships which currently visit the Island.

"We've had some positive feedback and we anticipate positive prospects. The cruise ship situation will settle down and we don't anticipate going beyond six ships a week,'' he said.

"There are no future contracts up for renewal for two years, the current contracts are for three years and it's unlikely there will be any new regular ships.''